DETROIT – Crews are working around the clock to assist the hundreds of families who were displaced after a water main break flooded a Detroit neighborhood.
A 54-inch water main burst early Monday, Feb. 17. The cause of the water main break remains under investigation.
The neighborhood was quickly flooded and it took 11 different agencies from across Metro Detroit to help ferry homeowners to safety, away from the freezing water water.
--> What Detroit officials will provide residents impacted by water main break
There are 398 homes inside the emergency flood zone.
As of Tuesday, Feb. 18, 63 adults, 31 children and 13 pets had been rescued from the area. 296 people from 83 homes are being housed at hotels. 72 homes remain without power.
60% of the people in the area have remained in their homes.
Authorities said the one injured person is recovering and is expected to be released from a hospital soon.
At a press conference, Tuesday, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said crews have shut off the remaining water flow to the water main and repairs will begin shortly.
One neighbor who Duggan spoke with had frozen pipes, lost two cars, and opted to head to a hotel Tuesday.
Another, 44-year-old Alen Martinez, said his home may look OK on the outside, but his basement is flooded, and he is unsure how bad the damage is.
“Hopefully, they pay for everything that’s damaged,” he said. “A lot of people are concerned about their washer and dryer — Some people’s stuff is sitting on the ground. It got wet, got damaged — Not working.”He said he’s “absolutely” going to hold them to it.
Additionally, Duggan said there was a gas leak at the same site that was quickly identified by DTE Energy Tuesday morning, who shut the gas off and gave electric heaters to the homes impacted by the shut-off.
Duggan said the city has shifted into recovery mode and that 80 city inspectors are going door-to-door in the neighborhood to check the status of the buildings. He’s optimistic all homes will be inspected by the end of the week, and once inspections are complete, repairs will begin next week.
Duggan urged residents to set up an appointment with the inspectors as repairs can’t start until after homes are inspected.
“We cannot help you unless you let us in the door,” Duggan said.
Everyone impacted by the Southwest Detroit water main break is urged to call 313-774-5261 for assistance with evacuations, repairs, and vehicle issues.
Those who wish to help the displaced families are asked to drop off donations at the Patton Recreation Center, located at 2301 Woodmere Street.
